Cycling & Healing: Shared Common Interest

Dear Friends and Family,

In a few short weeks, our 3rd season working with survivors of sexual trauma will conclude with our signature Fall retreat. As the days grow shorter and we wind down seasonal programs, we ramp up in other aspects. Sacred Cycle continues to gain momentum nationally and across the globe!  Regularly I open my email to communication from people who share a common interest in cycling and outdoor activities as a way to heal. These notes of praise or acknowledgment of common threads with cycling keep me motivated to continue our mission and to find effective ways to help survivors.

In our next newsletter, we will share two upcoming magazine articles and a very exciting film project in which Sacred Cycle is humbly the subject.  I’m also excited and encouraged by the interest from nonprofit organizations who would like to collaborate in 2020.

As always, the excitement is bittersweet. The reality is that people’s lives have been devasted by sexual trauma and the survivors we hope to help must work tremendously hard to heal. Healing can be a life-long process and every day more people become victims. As I write this note to you, I’m particularly saddened by the news that nine men who live or work in my community were arrested in an undercover sting operation for attempting to have sex with children. As painfully common as this is, it’s still a shock and I hope it always is.

Warmly,

Heather Russell, Executive Director

 Brittany raced the Wilderness 101 in Pennsylvania in 103-degree heat index for the longest race and ride she’s ever done. Originally the race was 62 miles ( a marathon mtb race) but ended up being 75 due to course changes. “I must say those rolling hills gave me 7,000 ft. of elevation gain many would not have expected, and the creek I jumped in to cool off halfway through was likely my saving grace.” Way to rally Brittany!

2019 Merchandise

Fall leaves turning is a bittersweet feeling in the mtb world. We love to ride to golden watercolor paintings & we hate to see the trails close in on snow. Keep the love alive with Sacred Cycle Merch!

Enduro Jersey 2019, $56.00 (including shipping). This lightweight, quarter length sleeve enduro jersey is perfect for a day on the trails or the road. The profits from your purchase directly benefit Sacred Cycle and the women who use our program. Buy today!

Reversible Cycling Cap 2019, $51.00 (including shipping). Our “Sacred Cycle” print was designed using the ancient technique of Ecru.  There are some black holes in the design, representing the effects of trauma that so many people live with daily, but these holes are surrounded by vibrant colors, representing the rainbow of thrilling emotions that being at one with nature and a bicycle brings, as well as the positive impact that we must all bring to our communities. Buy today!

Join the Board of Directors

Sacred Cycle operates on a skill-set based Board of Directors supported by volunteer committees and passionate volunteers. To learn about each member, visit our BOD page, click on each name for more details.

Due to growth, we are in the process of recruiting new board members with expertise in legal, finance, fundraising, public relations, and planning. If you are interested or know someone who shares our passion to help survivors live their best and full lives, please reach out via our website contact form. We welcome hearing your ideas on how we can best serve this population.

Support at City Market 

If you have a City Market loyalty card, supporting Sacred Cycle is as easy as 1-2-3!

1. Click enroll and log in to your account at www.citymarketcommunityrewards.com
2. Search for Sacred Cycle 
3. Click Enroll and you’re ready to support your Sacred Cycle while you run errands!

Support at Gear.com 

We are excited to announce that we have officially partnered with Gear.com! Gear.com sells awesome outdoor gear and gives 20% back on every purchase: 10% to you and 10% that you can donate to Sacred Cycle!

During checkout, you will be prompted to take part in the “Give a Buck” program. Simply start typing in “Sacred Cycle” into the text box and you can give the 10% (that Gear.com is donating) to us!

Feel free to share/tag/comment friends, family & community to build more donations for Sacred Cycle.

Many US Women Say 1st Sexual Experience Was Forced

Source: AP News. Excerpt: [The report] found that the first sexual experience for about one in 16 US women was forced or coerced intercourse. Let that sink in: about 6.5% of women – more than 3 million nationwide – experienced rape as their first sexual encounter. Worth noting, the survey in the study didn’t use the word ‘rape,’ but the authors say the experiences amount to it. The average victim’s age was 15 (underage), while the average assailant’s age was 27. The study also found that these women were more likely than others to suffer from health complications (think: endometriosis or pelvic problems).

• Tip of the iceberg: This study was conducted from 2011 to 2017, before the #MeToo movement went viral. Considering the openness around consent and sexual violence that movement spurred, researchers reportedly think the number in the study could in fact be higher.

  Read the full article.

Live off the Newstand / Airwaves

Dirt Rag Magazine picked up Sacred Cycle’s Specialized Bicycles interview between our Executive Director, Heather Russell, and Jen Kyle Whalen. Check it out! Read the Article.

Podcast Gear Show Ep. 80:  Big thanks to Lisa Gerber of The Gear Show for shining the light on our very own board member Jeannine. She competed in over 20 ultra-endurance Mountain Bike races including multiple 100-mile, 12- and 25- hour solo races as well as a multi-day stage race through the Swiss Alps. She struggled with finding a purpose when she left racing.
Take a listen to hear her story!